Water/Sewer Rates drop in 2013

Cascade residents and building owners will see their water & sewer rates reduce in 2013.  Cutbacks in staffing and numerous energy saving efforts by the City of Grand Rapids have resulted in lower rates.

Water users in Cascsde willl notice that their average bill will drop by 4.96% in 2013.

Sewer users will see  a 5.19% drop in their quarterly bills.

This should result in a typical bill (water & sewer) being about $13.22 less than in 2012.

There are some areas of increase that you should be aware of.  If a residential property owner (not currently connected) pays their front footage fee in 2012, the cost is $61.00 per foot.  In 2013, this will increase to $75.00 per foot.  For a residence with 100' of lot width, the increase would be $1,400.00.

For commercial properties, the fee changes from $94.00 to $110.00.

It may be worthwhile to connect or at least set up a payment plan in 2012 to avoid the increase.

Please acll Sandra Korhorn at the Township office (949-1500) if you have any questions regarding these changes.

POWER OUTAGES SUNDAY

The recent power outage Sunday (11/11) has created a lot of calls to the Township office to find out why there was an outage on a sunny, 70 degree day.


The official word I got from Consumers was:

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The Cascade sub saw two outages Sunday.

11:49 AM - CASCADE SUB - The Cascade Circuit locked out due to failure of an underground Primary line just outside the substation. 1434 customers were interrupted: 535 customers were restored after 327 minutes (5.5 hours). 899 customers remained off.
7:10 PM - CASCADE SUB - The Cascade Circuit locked out again during the isolation process. 535 customers were interrupted for 28 minutes. 899 customers were interrupted for 578 minutes. The underground fault was isolated.
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The township will continue to work with Consumers to push for system improvements to minimize outages such as these. 

 

Consumers recently put a new sub-station on line (Spaulding, south of Cascade Road) to reduce the number and length of outages in the area.  They also do a lot of tree-trimming to keep outages from happening.  Consumers is also working on a plan to improve the reliability of the system in the area affected by Sunday' outage. 

 

SHAKE YOUR MAILBOX!

This Saturday, October 20th, has been set for the fourth annual "Shake Your Mailbox" day in Michigan!.. Governor Snyder recently made the proclaimation in order to help redue the number of mailboxes damaged this Winter from snow and snow plows.  The campaign stated as a statewide initiative in 2009. 

The County Road Association of Michigan reports that a loose mailbox may not withstand standard snow removal operations; it should be repaired or replaced so that you have fewer headaches this winter. 

This is also a good time to replace worn hinges on mailbox doors and repaint or replace reflective house numbers so the postal worker or emergency responder can find your home more easily.

Enjoy!!

Thornapple River Drawdown Today

The Thornapple River above the Cascade Dam is in the process of being drawn down today.  The lower water levels will continue to be low until Monday morning.  The lower water levels provide better access for homeowners on the River to be able to remove their docks for the Winter.  However, there is more to it than that. 

The lowering of the river also provides the opportunity for the company that lease the Cascade Dam to inspect the dam and underwater equipment and make repairs and adjustments if necessary.  This is an important inspection for the dam, as it is imperative that it function safely not only for the creation of electricity, but for the safety of those residents living both upstream and downstream of the dam.  A sudden drop of water level could have major impacts to docks, boats, and (especially downstream) houses.  This safety check is done in the Spring (April) and Fall (October) every year. 

So, while you see the waterfront home-owners removing their boats and docks this weekend, Keep in mind there is also a major safety check going on at the dam.

P.S. - This process will be repeated at the Ada Dam in two weeks.

CASCADE TOWNSHIP RECEIVES HIGH CREDIT RATING

 Cascade Township’s credit rating was confirmed by Standard & Poors to be AA+ /stable in a recent review of the township’s finances.  S&P’s report stated that “The Township’s financial performance remains very strong, due in part to strong levy support and conservative budgeting.”  S&P reviews the township’s financial status every two years.

Cascade Township has reported positive financial operations in the last four fiscal years and continues to provide full service to its residents through sound financial management practices and review by staff and the Township Board.  We have an excellent finance team that works hard to insure our residents receive maximum return on their tax dollars.  Senior Accountant Mildred Pinder, Deputy Treasurer Oxana Sourine and Account Clerk Debbie Amos examine every detail of each transaction to be sure that our funds are being managed properly.  The Township’s Finance Committee, comprised of Trustees Jim Koessel (Chair), Treasurer Ken Pierce and Trustee Goldberg monitor the Township’s financial practices closely to verify their continued excellence.

S&P reported that the stable outlook of the township’s finances reflects their anticipation that the township will maintain its very secure fund balance due to a strong employment   and strong tax base in Cascade.  The fund balance provides a cushion against any unexpected budgetary challenges in the future.  The Township has have been through four ‘down’ years and managed to add to our reserves each year.  We are in great financial condition!

 The complete S&P report can be found on the township’s website:  www.cascadetwp.com

COUSINS TO RETIRE

The time has come for me retire from government service.  I have worked in local government in Michigan since 1989  and have enjoyed every minute!  I have been epsecially fortunate to have worked in Cascade Township for the last five years.  My wife and I plan to stay in our home in the Township after retiring - this is truely a great place to live!!!

I gave my board a lot of notice so they can find a suitable  replacement and have him or her on board before I leave.

My last day with the Township will be January 25, 2013.

HOUSHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE - JULY 14TH

Cascade and Ada Townships are going together to hold a Household Hazardous Waste Collection day on Saturday, July 14th at Station #2 of the Cascade Fire Department.  This service will be offered free-of-charge to all Cascade and Ada residents (residential waste only).  The collection point will be in the rear lot of the building, located at 2990 Buttrick from 9am to 1pm.  The following items are typical of what can be dropped off: 

      Weed killer, fertilizer, rodent & bug spray, lighter fluid, pool chemicals, deck sealer & cleaner, oil-based paint and stain (NO LATEX PAINTS), paint thinner, adhesives and glue, antifreeze, motor oil, automotive fluids, gas & oil mix, washer fluid, auto batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, mercury thermometers and thermostats, batterise and aerosol cans.  A few items are not accepted such as:  any pills or other drugs, refillable propane tanks, ammunition or fireworks. 

If you are unclear about anything you want to dispose of, call Kent County Recycle at 336-2467 for more information.